Population Connectivity and Biological Assessment of Non-Target Fisheries Species in the Ross Sea

We are seeking a PhD student for a project that aims to investigate basic biology and population connectivity of several non-target species that are caught in the longline fisheries in the Ross Sea, but whose populations also extend northward into the New Zealand Economic Exclusion Zone (waters that are managed solely by New Zealand). Antarctic fisheries are managed using ecosystem-based and precautionary approaches that attempt to balance conservation and the rational use of resources while maintaining existing ecological relationships. Currently non-target species are managed in the absence of basic biological information. The work is intended to improve the quality of key information on bycatch species for the management of these species within CCAMLR (i.e., have a direct impact on management and policy), but also to monitor changes that might be occurring as a result of ecological disturbance (e.g., climate variability, fisheries impacts).

This PhD scholarship is part of a joint project between Earth Sciences New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU). The successful candidate is expected to enroll at Victoria University of Wellington (supervised by Drs Peter Ritchie (main supervisor, VUW), Alice Rogers (VUW), Jennifer Devine and Matt Pinkerton (Earth Sciences New Zealand)) and take part in a scientist exchange at Shanghai Ocean University to utilize their laboratories and expertise in one or more of the following areas: otolith microchemistry, stable isotopes, fatty acids, genetics, or parasites. There is potential to take part in an Antarctic survey through existing Antarctic research collaborations, subject to availability and alignment with an existing field event. The scholarship includes:

• A stipend of $35,000 NZD per year + coverage of university fees for 3 years
• Funding for travel to Shanghai Ocean University

This position will be primarily based at Earth Sciences New Zealand (https://www.earthsciences.nz, Greta Point location) and Victoria University of Wellington (https://www.wgtn.ac.nz ) in Wellington, New Zealand (https://www.wellingtonnz.com). There are also opportunities to travel to and work with researchers at the Shanghai Ocean University (https://www.shou.edu.cn/eng/).

Short-listing of applicants for the position began on 1 September 2025 and we are currently interviewing candidates. At this stage there is a temporary pause on accepting any new applications. If we are unsuccessful in finding a suitable candidate within the currently applicant pool, we will call for more applications.

When and if we open this again, applicants for this PhD position should send a CV, contact details of two academic referees, and a cover letter that states why you are interested in the position and how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for the proposed research to Jennifer Devine (Jennifer.Devine@niwa.co.nz) and Peter Ritchie (Peter.Ritchie@vuw.ac.nz).

The successful candidate will be expected to begin in February 2026 or sooner. For more information about studying at Victoria University of Wellington and the entry requirements for the PhD program please see http://www.victoria.ac.nz/study/programmes-courses/postgraduates/phds-doctorates